.22 LR Ballistics
The .22 LR is the most popular rimfire cartridge in the world. In the AR-15 platform, it serves as an affordable training round and small game cartridge using dedicated upper receivers or conversion kits.
Cartridge Specifications
Common Bullet Weights and Types
Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length
Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length
Bullet Drop Table
Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.
| Load | Zero | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 gr HP | 50 yd | -12.5 | -55 | - | - | - |
| 40 gr LRN | 50 yd | -16.5 | -72 | - | - | - |
Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind
Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.
| Load | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 gr HP | 21.3 | 42.5 | 63.8 | 85 | 106.3 |
| 40 gr LRN | 24.8 | 49.5 | 74.3 | 99 | 123.8 |
Effective Range by Application
Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations
Published Load Data
| Weight | Type | Barrel | MV (fps) | ME (ft-lb) | BC (G1) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 gr | HP | 16 in | 1,260 | 127 | 0.127 | CCI Stinger published specs; Hornady ballistic calculator |
| 36 gr | HP | 18 in | 1,280 | 131 | 0.127 | CCI Stinger published specs; Hornady ballistic calculator |
| 36 gr | HP | 20 in | 1,300 | 135 | 0.127 | CCI Stinger published specs; Hornady ballistic calculator |
| 40 gr | LRN | 16 in | 1,070 | 102 | 0.132 | CCI Standard Velocity published specs |
| 40 gr | LRN | 18 in | 1,090 | 106 | 0.132 | CCI Standard Velocity published specs |
| 40 gr | LRN | 20 in | 1,100 | 107 | 0.132 | CCI Standard Velocity published specs |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from CCI Stinger published specs; Hornady ballistic calculator; CCI Standard Velocity published specs. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.
Pick the right barrel
Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in .22 LR.